Vopak Horizon Fujairah has joined hands with Higher Colleges of Technology (Fujairah) and Tanmia to launch the first petroleum operator training programme for UAE nationals empowering them for rewarding careers in the petroleum sector.

A joint venture between the Enoc Group, Royal Vopak from the Netherlands, the Government of Fujairah and Kuwait’s Independent Petroleum Group, Vopak Horizon Fujairah Limited, is operator of the first independent onshore oil terminal outside the Arabian Gulf.

The two-year programme which begins next month will train 20 young Emiratis for potential careers in Vopak Horizon, Enoc or other organisations in Fujairah’s petroleum sector.

The technical training and development programme will cover personal development skills apart from technical education related to the oil and gas sector, said a senior company official.

Walter Moone, general manager of Vopak Horizon, said the Petroleum Operator training programme is a first of its kind initiative in Fujairah, especially aimed at empowering young UAE nationals for careers in the petroleum sector in the emirate.

'This is particularly relevant given the fast pace of growth of Fujairah as the petroleum hub of the Middle East region. It is imperative that we create a workforce of trained UAE nationals to lead this growth.'

“The training programme is a direct response to the demand from young UAE nationals and their keenness to pursue careers in the petroleum sector. The programme is therefore socially relevant and will contribute to more career opportunities for UAE nationals in the Northern Emirates in the highly rewarding oil and gas sector,” he added.

To be executed and organised by the HCT- Fujairah, the programme offers career opportunities for UAE nationals as terminal operators and certified petroleum terminal operators.

Upon completion of the programme, students will get a certificate from the Higher Colleges of Technology, which is closely involved in student enrolment, delivering the courses, providing course material, classroom facilities and student evaluation.

Admissions are open for UAE nationals between 18 to 23 years of age, and who have completed Grade 12. CEPA English and Mathematics scores will be part of the selection criteria.

Potential candidates must also attend an interview and show a positive attitude towards the programme, apart from having parental consent. Fujairah Tanmia will assist the programme by providing CVs of potential candidates and also assist in complying with legal requirements.

Vopak Horizon also arranged an open day recently for potential candidates, which received overwhelming response from young UAE nationals. The company is currently evaluating the applications and eligible candidates will be notified soon.

The curricula covers library skills, computer skills, English communication, Mathematics skills, basic engineering measurement, teamwork, safety awareness, fundamentals of ship technology, electrical physics, workshop practice, environmental science, introduction to instrumentation and control systems and hydraulics.

The students will also have hands-on work experience at the Vopak Horizon Terminal, which already has a storage capacity of 1.5 million cubic metres.

ISO 9002 and ISO 14001 certified, the company is designed to handle a range of petroleum products including light and middle distillates, heavy ends and other blend components.-TradeArabia News Service